back in business 2011

Finally back. Been really busy with the projects and renovations, while bemoaning the difficulties of trying to be a green designer in a country that is too reliant on other countries for products and finishes that are safe to use and cause minimal damage to the environment... Meaning, it's tough finding products with a proper ecolabel; if there are products that claim to be green, it's tough to verify or even find the information on composition; or if the products are available in the metro, they are difficult to find, and/or ridiculously expensive compared to their non-green counterparts. We can add to this, the absence of any local body that conducts the proper research on these things or regulates these products.

Also, after having done a few renovations, I am starting to be really convinced (after witnessing the amounts of construction waste involved in any one project) of 2 things:

a) that NO renovation/construction is really better, if it can be avoided!!! I suggest that homeowners learn to live with the things that work, if possible.

b) our native ancestors knew how to build green, with their bahay kubos and bamboo.

Nevertheless, I'm learning a lot in this green sourcing process. And I'm happy to have stumbled across 2 good lookin' (albeit imported from the US) products:

1. Deft Waterborne Interior Clear Wood Finish. I found this is a water-based polyurethane (in my refusal to use solvent-based liquids!! Still trying to find a greener alternative for wood putty though...) in MC Home Depot Fort Bonifacio. It supposedly emits very low odor (will test it out on Monday with Reggie the carpenter); of course this may not necessarily mean that it's not toxic... so of course off I went hunting for the technical information, and came up with the following:

• VOC content when mixed = 275 g/L, matching the LEED maximum standard for sanding sealers (phew! made it)
• HMIS Health Rating of 1 = Slight Hazard; irritation or minor reversible injury is possible
• Contains N-methylpyrrolidone (but just 1.8511% of weight), which has been known to cause reproductive/birth defects

For the completely OC with technical and chemical information (like me), more in the MS data sheet here.

(Aside: I wonder why these toxic substances even exist in the world of your ordinary average consumer... like lead, which has apparently been banned in the EU already except for x-ray protection...)

In any case, all things considered, it's still a better alternative to the polyurethane/solvent-based sanding sealers.

2. Bayer Dacrol TM-CE25. I refused to use Solignum (Jardine) due to it being a solvent- and pyrethroid-based solution (toxic to bees, mosquitoes, invertebrates and fish), so after scouting around online for waterbased (and pressumably safer) anti-termite alternatives, I stumbled across Dacrol. I was unable to find the complete ingredients list, but the site mentions that the active ingredient is imidacloprid, which from what I have seen is mainly harmful only to bees (so stay away from this if you have a bee farm!!).

I still need to see if they will send me the ingredients list and VOC content.

Greener QC, Makati

We saw last 2009 that Quezon City has created its own Green Building Ordinance, which requires all land-users, developers and planners to have environment-friendly systems and technologies within the premises of new projects or buildings. A whopping tax credit of 25% is offered as an incentive, not bad. Then they came up with the Green Roof Ordinance 1940 which exempts the floor area of the green roof from property tax. The QC city government also required public utility vehicles to make the shift to greener fuels, such as biofuels, within 3 years.

Not bad at all, in my opinion.

However, we've discovered that the Implementing Rules & Regulations still need working on, as no criteria has been established yet for the technical categories for the issuance of certificates. And they are supposed to launch this April!

Glad that they are making this move, but they still have a long way to go in getting it together.

101010 run for pasig!

Big day tomorrow! October 10, 2010 is called the Global Day of Doing (something for the environment) and hereabouts it's the day for the 101010 Run for the Pasig River! Culminating at SM Mall of Asia, this run is set to not only rally for the restoration of the Pasig River but also create a world record with a reported 140,000+ (!!!!) registered runners. I am told that the NYC Marathon gets about 40,000 participants, and that's already a lot, so watch out!

Roxas Blvd, Vito Cruz, Buendia, Makati Ave and other roads will be closed, and the MRT will be free for the runners. Because of this, and because it is probably the BIGGEST run ever help in town, logistics seemed too complicated, so I & the 2 people I "recruited" will not be running, even if we signed up a few weeks ago. Chalking it down to charity this time ;). Looking forward to the next run.

101010 Run for Pasig River is organized by ABS-CBN Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig.

GPAM in business!

After signing the Green Purchasing Alliance Movement (GPAM) charter for GreenAP last November 2009 at the GP3 Conference at the SMX Convention Center (phew that's a lot of letters), I was wondering what happened to it. The Green Choice ecolabel continued to roll out (recently awarded to Mariwasa and Ricoh!) and is now being carried by 15 different products in the country, but what of GPAM?

PCEPSDI finally got us all together to conduct a steering committee workshop this week, and the ball is finally rolling. GPAM is the marketing arm of PCEPSDI & Green Choice Philippines, with the main mission of promoting and implementing green purchasing and networking. We all established our areas of responsibility and activities for the year, so expect to hear more about it in the coming months.

GreenAP is also an official endorser of the Green Choice ecolabel. More information will be given during the monthly GreenAP lectures, the next one to be held on March 24, 2010 at the Wilcon Builder's Depot along C5, in between Tiendesitas and Eastwood City.

GreenAP

It has been a while since the last post, I know. We've all been through a lot these past few months, but now we're ready to go back to green business!

Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines (GreenAP for short), the creators of the annual Green Forum, will be holding a series of monthly lectures this coming 2010. Topics will include Climate Responsive Design, Sustainable Materials, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Building Operations and Maintenance.

Their website is currently under construction, but their Facebook Fan Page (Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines) is regularly being updated, so stay tuned!

Interested parties are also welcome to apply here. Email info@greenap.ph for questions and details.

green drinks

Green Drinks is now in Manila! Held in over 600 cities, and dubbed "a casual monthly event where green-minded people can get together," this edition, to be held on Sept 25 2009 at 6pm, will be a fundraiser for Green Kalinga, the environmental program of Gawad Kalinga.

Targetting environmental professionals, students and enthusiasts, eco-minded people, and anyone interested in anything “GREEN”, it is a great venue for networking and just having a good time.

Guests can also take part in the following:

- Launching of the bamboo bike
- Re-launching of the PRRM rooftop garden
- Photo Exhibits of different participating NGOs
- an all day Organic Fair (food stalls, organic products); a Live band
- and of course, GREEN DRINKS!

Because

GREEN = GOOD
DRINKS = GOOD
GREEN + DRINKS = GREAT!!

Check out the Green Drinks QC page here and the Green Drinks Code here.

Date: Sept 25 2009
Time: 6pm
Venue: PRRM Penthouse (Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement) Bldg.
56 Mother Ignacia Avenue, cor Dr. Lazcano Street, Quezon City

more green news!

Pinoy Green Academy is up, sharing the latest green news around town. Competition? Could be, but the more get on the green bandwagon, the better! Written by David Morada, the Echostore's partner blogger, it covers everything from green destinations, celebrities, building, and everyday living tips.

He also writes an article called the Green Space in the Manila Times.

Check it out here.

green road to the philippines

Whether you are an architect, building owner, code official, contractor, developer, educator, engineer, facility manager, financial services provider, government agency, green power provider, home builder, interior designer, landscape architect, nonprofit organization, product manufacturer, school and university, student, or you just want to help save the environment, you are all welcome to visit or join Green Road to the Philippines, an open source forum dedicated to Green Architecture and other beneficial topics to make the Philippines a better and healthy place to live, work and play thru sustainable practices with environmental, economic and social consciousness. This website encourages members to use it as a melting pot of ideas and explore sustainable solutions beyond their resource thru collaboration.

Visit the site here.

BERDE Consultation Meetings

The Philippine Green Building Council, Inc. will be conducting a series of meetings, hearings and fora to gather inputs and suggestion for the development of the BERDE Rating System.

The 1st Consultation Meeting was held last August 4, 2009 at the BERDE Secretariat Office, 3rd Floor, GHD, 111 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

The next four Consultation Meetings will be happening in September 3 and 4, 2009 during the MANILACON 09 at the SMX Convention Center. The meetings will focus on the Life Cycle Assessment of Materials. Each meetings can only accommodate 30 participants. Kindly reserve your seats with the National Secretariat at secretariat@philgbc.org. Priority will be given to PHILGBC Members.

Meeting 1 - Sept 3, 9am to 12nn

Meeting 2 - Sept 3, 2pm to 5pm

Meeting 3 - Sept 4, 9am to 12nn

Meeting 4 - Sept 4, 2pm to 5pm

Green Forum 09

The Green Forum is back! Hosted by ManilaCon09, organized by the Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines group, it is a 2-day in-depth discussion and presentation on the green and sustainable building design principles and techniques within and beyond our shores. This is in line with the move of dynamic building design professionals to promote Green Architecture in the Philippines.

Program

DAY 1

• Why Go Green: Philippine Perspective

- Developer's Perspective:

Engr. Edmond P. Maceda

Sustainability Officer (Ayala Land)

- Legislative:

Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc, MD

Congresswoman - 4th District of Pampanga, 14th Congress

- Architect's Perspective:

Ar. Robert Mirafuente, uap

• Green Architecture: Beyond our Shores

Ar. Jason E J Pomeroy

BA (Hons) BArch (Hons) Mst IDBE(Cantab), RIBA ASIA, Director, Broadway Malyan Asia Pte Ltd

• Environmental Laws in the Philippines

Atty. Antonio A. Oposa, Jr.

President, Batas ng Kalikasan, 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee

• Philippine Green Building Rating System

Ar. Christopher de la Cruz, uap

Chairman, Philippine Green Building Council

• Renewable Energy: Micro Applications

Engr. Oly Serafica

President, Renewable Energy Asso. of the Phils.

DAY 2

• Construction Waste Management

(foreign speaker)

• Sustainability from the Ground: Landscape Architecture

Ar. Mary Anne Espina, fuap, pala

• Green Materials & Technologies

- Andrew Cotterill

Hadley (Thailand) Ltd.

- Engr. Edmond P. Maceda

Sustainability Officer (Ayala Land)

• Building Envelope

Ar. Julian Bot

Principal, LEED AP, CUNDALL Hong Kong

• Life Cycle Assessment

Collin Somerville

Managing Director, Seacon Environment Ltd.

• Affirmation of Commitment to Go Green

Registration Fees: (per person)

• Php2,500.00 / US$57.00* on or before August 16, 2009
• Php3,000.00 / US$67.00* on or before August 31, 2009
• Php3,500.00 / US$77.00* onsite registration
• Php2,000.00 for Academe / Faculty members (cash bank remittance only)

* US$ rates apply for Paypal and Credit Card payments.

** rates are inclusive of meals

Venue: SM X Convention Center

Dates: September 4 & 5, 2009

Regiister at the ManilaCon site.

70 new trees@la mesa eco-park

Get ready for another jump for CHANGE. Join us on July 11, 2009! :) U! Happy Events will have its 45th project: Plant Kids. This creative project targets 70 Kids from our 2 time beneficiary Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid partnered with U! Tulong sa Kapwa Kaptid is a non-profit organization focused on providing educational programs to the kids of Payatas.

It will be a half day program from 8-3pm that will include tree planting, ecological tour, magic show and games at La Mesa Eco Park, Fairview Quezon City.The main goal of this activity is to provide scholarship program to 70 Kids and promote environmental awareness by planting 70 trees for the future! "We will hit 2 birds with one stone", says Kuya Harvard. "We contribute for a better environment and secure learning for the kids at the same time!" he adds.

How to Join? We welcome the first 70 partners to go with us. Simply contribute Php 500 and this will already include everything for you and your Kid- Tree Certificate under your name and your Kid, entrance fees at La Mesa Eco Park, food & drinks (breakfast at McDo, lunch & snack), collector's edition ID, profile of your Kid and other materials needed for the day! :)

U! Happy Events will subsidize most of the expenses for U! We welcome also additional pledge: Php 3,000 per Kid for 1 year education subsidy program for the upcoming school year OR Php 500 per Kid for 1 year worth of school supplies.

We challenge you to rally friends to partner or refer to us people who can share their monetary blessings to the Kids of Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid. Thank U! very much. We look forward for your text confirmation at 09188884278 :)

* * * * *

Taken from Harvard's Plant Kids Facebook Page. To view and sign up at the Plant Kids Facebook page, click here. To visit the U! Foundation site, click here.

eco-fashion competition

Miss Earth Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2^nd Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition, a project that will once again showcase the skills and creativity of professional or even budding designers in the Philippines in coming up with timeless designs that are eco-friendly; perfect for the Earth’s most beautiful.

On November 4, 2008, the 1st Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition gathered more than 20 professional and non-professional designers all over the Philippines who showcased the Filipino indigenous materials and highlighted the Filipino culture and heritage in 49 colorful ensembles worn by Miss Earth 2008 candidates.

Mr. Ivan Raborar, a very talented young designer from South Cotabato was hailed the very first winner with his gown made of beads and the T’nalak cloth made the city’s indigenous people’s dream weavers.

This year, we are opening this competition once again to Filipino designers, fashion enthusiasts, students or any group to really prove that beautiful creations can spring from our discards in our joint local and global effort to help save Mother Earth.

.

Join missearthecofashiondesigncomp@yahoogroups.com to retrieve related documents and receive updates about the competition.

FOR QUERIES, please contact:

CATHERINE UNTALAN

Telephone Number : 7241810

Email Address : contact@missearthfoundation.org

Guidelines:

1. The contest is open to all designers: professional or non-professional. Individuals or groups are welcome. Maximum of 3 members per group.

2. The theme for this year is “Eco-fashion forward: Spring/Summer 2010”

3. We are looking for designs that can be worn in everyday life or are runway worthy. (i.e. dresses, trousers, shorts, skirts, trendy tops, jumpsuits, coats, swimwear and the like and NOT festival attires and national costumes.)

4. Applicants must download the application from missearthecofashiondesigncomp@yahoogroups.com (You have to be a member of the group to be able to do so).

5. Send the accomplished form along with the following to contact@missearthfoundation.org Subject : Submission of Entry/ies for the 2nd Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition

a. Picture of designer/s (At least 7R=7”x5”)

b. Sketch of design with detailed label of materials to be used (in 1 page only; US letter size=8.5” x 11” portrait)

c. Picture of the design, if already made (8R= 8”x10” portrait)

d. Pictures must not exceed 3 MB each and must not be lower than 300 dpi.

e. Each entry should have a creative title which describes what the outfit is made of.

6. You will receive a reply message within 24 hours. If not, it means that your message was not sent. Please send again.

7. Applicants can send as many entries as they want.

8. All outfits should be visibly made from:

· Recyclable materials (i.e. paper, magazine pages, yellow pages, PET bottles, old cds, old cases, paper plates, tape etc)

· Organic materials (i.e. organic cloth, organic bamboo, cotton, hemp cloth, pina, husi, abaca etc)

· Natural materials (coconut husks, seeds, shells etc.)

· Eco-chic designs/patterns (flora, fauna etc)

9. Criteria for judging (for preliminaries and finals) will be as follows:

· 40 pts. Relevance to the theme and aptness of design

· 30 pts. Appropriate and creative use of recyclable, organic,

indigenous, eco-chic designs/patterns

· 20 pts. Wearability and usefulness for purpose

· 10 pts. Over-all impact

For a total of 100 pts.

10. The organizing committee will judge the top 90 (or depending on the number of official candidates) qualifiers for the final round.

11. A different distinguished panel of judges will decide who will be the over-all winner during the final show.

12. All competing designers will receive a certificate of appreciation.

13. Special Awards are as follows:

a. Citation for Best use of organic fabric

b. Citation for Best use of recyclable materials

14. The top three designs will be awarded accordingly. The best design will be awarded as the over-all winner of the 2^nd Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition (prizes to follow).

15. These will be announced before the end of the show.

16. All entries (at least sketches) must be sent on or before August 15, 2009 at 5:00 pm GMT +8:00

17. Top 90 designs[1] will be announced on September 1, 2009. Designers of all qualified designs will be notified via email.

18. Designers will be responsible to ship their entries to and from: 7 Ideal St., Barangay Addition Hills, Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong City, PHILIPPINES. Miss Earth Foundation will not be responsible for any damage of the clothes.

19. All outfits will remain to be the property of the designers.

20. Designers must agree to photograph and publicize their work in different forms of media for the promotion of this competition and after.

21. For further queries, please email CATHERINE UNTALAN at contact@missearthfoundation.org. Subject : Query on 2nd Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition.

---

[1] Judging will be based on design not on the designer.

MS. CATHERINE Y. UNTALAN
Executive Director, Miss Earth Foundation
Website : www.missearthfoundation.org
missearthfoundation.multiply.com

Thanks to Rei Panaligan from the Eco-Waste Coalition for the heads-up.

uk shares green building technology

UK experts show green building technologies
By CHARISSA M. LUCI (from the Manila Bulletin)
April 18, 2009, 5:16pm

The United Kingdom is bringing in cutting-edge environmental technologies in the country, particularly in building designs, as part of its global commitment to address alarming trends of climate change.

British experts from building and design companies shared the "latest and most innovative" environmental technologies with local counterparts at the recent Annual General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Green Building Council (PhilGBC) held in Makati City, the British embassy said.

John Chick, director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), said technology sharing is timely since the PhilGBC is currently working on a set of standards for the Philippines called Building Ecologically Responsive Design for Excellence (BERDE).

The UKTI co-sponsored seminar was joined by over 220 industry players from construction, consultancy and real estate with all of the country's top construction companies represented, including Megaworld, The Net Group, Ayala Land and SM Development, the embassy said.

Award-winning architect Jason Pomeroy, also director of Broadway Malyan Singapore, encouraged local industry players to use the UK's BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), the leading and most widely used green building rating system that sets the yardstick for energy efficient, sustainable design to minimize the environmental impact of building construction.

Atkins Design and Product Manager Karl Hurwood and Deputy Head of Building Services Elvin Palma, meanwhile, demonstrated how changes in design can reduce a structure's carbon emissions, while Rey Guarin, Carbon Development Mechanism expert of British company TFS Green, explained the business opportunities in carbon trading.

Mariano Salazar, former Undersecretary of the Department of Energy, said he is confident that the UK and Philippines will further intensify partnership in carbon trading, adding that the Philippines should take advantage of wealth of information and systems being shared by the UK experts.

"The UK organizations have a wealth of information and systems that they can share with the Philippine professionals. There are mutual financial, economic and environmental benefits in the sharing of information and assistance," he said.

"A more active carbon trading between the two countries can come about," Salazar said.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said he is pleased that the British government is encouraging sustainable energy consumption and green building in the Philippines as well as increasing the public's awareness of the importance of reducing carbon emissions that cause global warming.

uap-gam

The UAP Green Architecture Movement (UAP-GAM) is an advocacy group focusing on educating, encouraging and promoting green & sustainable architecture. Headed by Architect Edgar Riformado, it was recently given a Fr. Neri Satur award for Environmental Heroism. Institutionalized by Arch. Prosperidad Luis in 2001, its main objective is "to encourage and promote the use of green building practices in all buildings we construct, remodel, and renovate. The initiative directs Offices and departments to incorporate or support the use of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) methods and techniques into construction of facilities; and strengthens a Green Architecture Mind-Set to educate and guide consumers in green building practices."

It's main modules consist of:

• Lectures
• Site VIsits/Case Studies/Peer Project critiques
• Green Forum
• Green Materials & Technology Documentation & Evaluation
• Green Building Awards
• Networking (Friends of GAM)

UAP GAM is currently involved in the pre-screening of materials for eco-labelling, as part of the PhilGBC BERDE rating project for green buildings. Soon we will soon have a local green building rating system.

The next Green Forum will be at ManilaCon09 at the SMX Convention Center on September 4-5 2009. It will be the venue where an ecological model house will be showcased, and BERDE consultation meetings, GreenKonsult and GreenChat Round Table discussions will take place, both for industry professionals and the general public.

For more information on UAP-GAM activities, contact the UAP Secretariat at 4126374/64. For information about schedules, topics and registration fees for Green Forum, email greenforum@gam.org.ph. FOr more information on the BERDE Project, click here.

eco luxury in palawan

Palawan is poised and ready to go green, in the luxury segment. A 124-acre island of the Calamianes archipelago - part of the Palawan Biosphere Reserve - will be the site for the Cacao Pearl, the first non-profit eco-luxury resort and community. Managed by Cacao Resorts, the world's first eco-luxury resort management company, this resort will dedicate all its operating profits to environmental protection and socio-economic improvements in the region.

The first phase of residence sales was concluded earlier this year, and the second phase was scheduled to commence last March. 60 residences were available last April. There are a total of 90-100 villas in the resort, on plots of 800 sqm and up.

The showcase 160-240 sqm 1-2 bedroom island homes are designed by Antonio Calvo (former director of Love Actually, Alexander, Pride & Prejudice) to have "a target of net zero consumption, 100 per cent renewable energy, carbon-neutral building and operations, use of local materials from sustainable sources, environmentally responsible timber treatments, modern composting toilets, low water-use, low-impact construction footprint, responsible recruitment and purchasing, recycling targets for construction, and preservation of the natural environment." (from WhatGreenHome). Filipino designer Budji Layug was commissioned for the interior design.

No motor access will be provided, nor will motorized watersports be allowed in the vicinity, (in order to respect coral reefs and turtle habitats). Rainforests and 8 beaches surround this secluded paradise, and many activities such as diving, caving, tai chi, cardio trails, organic bar mixers, beach parties are available to choose from. Residents may also get involved in the local environmental or community initiatives. Furthermore, the island is within short sailing distance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, two UNESCO World Heritage sites.

5-star service, butlers, personal chefs and an infinity pool are only precursory. This luxury development supports the local community through employment and local products sourcing, contributes directly to the funding and activities of local marine reserves and environmental programs, and will set-up a local fund to sponsor local social and economical programs.

While lauding the directions of the developer, Treehugger warns of greenwash and poses a couple of critical questions: "the first is simply the huge carbon footprint of people traveling to and from this and any other remote island. Two, would the island have proved of more lasting value to humankind if allowed to remain undeveloped? Palawan is considered the Philippines' "last ecological frontier" with tracts of tropical rainforest, two UNESCO World Heritage sites and thriving marine wild life. It remains to be seen whether eco-tourism can keep it that way.?" Click here to view the complete Treehugger article.

For more information on Cacao Pearl, click here. To view a brochure, click here. For sales & commercial enquiries, contact Matt Morrison: +1 (310) 928 6560, mattm@cacaoresorts.com.

ecowaste coalition

The Ecological Waste Coalition of the Philippines (EcoWaste Coalition) is a public interest network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups that is committed to the pursuit of ecologically sustainable and socially just solutions to managing discards. The Coalition was formed in January 2000, six months after the passage of the Clean Air Act that imposes a historic national ban on waste incineration.

The EcoWaste Coalition work to achieve a Zero Waste society in the Philippines by 2020 and shall be guided by 5 key principles: (1) SIMPLE solutions, (2) LOCAL level, (3) INTEGRATED APPROACH to harness local talents and energies (4) ECONOMICALLY BENEFICIAL for the communities and (5) SUSTAINABLE MANNER.

The Ecowaste Coalition is also a participating group of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives / Global Anti-Incinerator Alliance (GAIA), Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) and International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN).

Since its inception, the Coalition has initiated and supported citizens’ campaigns towards environmental justice and upholding public health through zero waste resource management.

FOCUS CAMPAIGNS:

1. Sustainable Consumption and Lifestyle. The EcoWaste Coalition provides the public through fora and mass media timely eco-advisories to guide them in making ecological choices and practices in commemorating religious, cultural or social events that are normally characterized by crass commercialism, wastefulness and pollution.
2. Reduction of volume and toxicity of solid waste. The EcoWaste Coalition assists different institutions and establishments to reduce the volume of generated waste as a crucial part of zero waste resource management. The Coalition also continued to engage manufacturers and industries to shift to eco-friendly and non-toxic materials for their products.
3. Closure of dumps/landfills and stopping toxic contamination. The EcoWaste Coalition through its Dumps/Landfill continued to engage and dialogue with stakeholders, participate in public hearings and join protest actions to press the authorities to close down the illegal dumpsites as mandated by the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The Coalition also sensitized the public about the environmental and health implications of landfills and outmoded “collect dump” waste management system.
4. Public awareness on the hazards of waste burning. The EcoWaste Coalition through its Task Force Open Burning/ Incineration provides the public guides and possible alternatives to backyard burning, stopping the release of toxins in the environment and upholding the open burning prohibition under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
5. Implemantation of incineration ban and opposing incinerators-in-disguise. The EcoWaste Coalition through its Task Force Open Burning/ Incineration stepped up its campaign to uphold the incineration ban under the Clean Air Act and continued to oppose incinerator technologies that are disguised on different names e.g. Pyrolysis, plasma arcs etc.
6. Stopping toxic waste trade. The EcoWaste Coalition is one with other civil society groups in opposing the Japan-Philippines Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) that will open the Philippines door to a long list of extremely hazardous and nuclear wastes from Japan, exacerbate toxics in the environment and undermining the efforts of different communities to achieve zero waste.
7. Promoting alternatives and encouraging the public and implementors to regulate/minimize the use of plastics and other disposable materials. The Task Force Plastics of the EcoWaste Coalition promoted the use of eco-friendly bags and containers to the public, highlighting the environmental impacts of palstics to health and environment and engaging different insitutions and establishments to minimize the use of single-use disposable plastics.

To view the EcoWaste Coalition blog, click here. To view their Multiply page, click here.